Untitled 2022

Curator: This drawing, simply titled "Untitled" by Alevtyna Kakhidze in 2022, is rendered in ink on paper. It's deceptively simple, wouldn't you agree? What's your initial read? Editor: It does look simple at first glance. But those figures are odd and kind of unsettling. They’re like creatures marching… political cartoons, almost? And the lettering looks almost like a child's handwriting. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a potent commentary on statehood and power, particularly relevant in light of contemporary geopolitical events. The childlike style doesn't negate its message; in fact, it amplifies the vulnerability and absurdity inherent in oppressive regimes. Consider the historical context: Kakhidze is a Ukrainian artist. How might this inform your interpretation? Editor: Well, the figure on the right is holding a Russian flag. And it's breathing fire while being crowned. And, hold on, the fire says "You are NOT a State." So, the crown and flag are ironic? It’s about power, but illegitimate power? Curator: Exactly. This isn’t just a drawing; it's a visual resistance. A critical intervention in a larger discourse about national identity, sovereignty, and the devastating consequences of imperial ambition. Note how both entities are labeled “a State”, perhaps implying a deeper questioning of the very concept, but with radically different visual depictions. How does Kakhidze use symbolism to undermine authority? Editor: The crude style makes the symbols feel empty. The crown looks like a child's drawing. It's not grand, it's… pathetic. The figure on the left almost seems sad, while the right one is aggressive and deluded. Curator: Precisely. Through this deceptively simple style, Kakhidze powerfully dismantles the pomp and circumstance of statehood, exposing the human cost and ethical void at its heart. It compels us to examine the narratives of power and the voices they often silence. What have you gleaned from analyzing this piece? Editor: I’m seeing how something that looks simple can hold a complex, powerful message. It's a stark reminder of the artist’s role as a commentator and, in this case, a defiant voice against injustice. Thanks, I hadn’t seen all that at first glance. Curator: Indeed. Art often challenges us to look beneath the surface, to engage with the world critically and compassionately. This drawing serves as a poignant reminder of that.